Has Washington Forgotten About Farmers? A Primer

Farmers are the backbone of America, but are they being left behind in Washington? In this re-released conversation with Sharon McMahon, better known as America’s Government Teacher, we explore how farm policy is shaped, why farmers feel invisible in the political process, and how shifting power structures impact our food system.

Since this episode first aired, we’ve seen budget cuts, trade disputes, and major agricultural policy shifts unfold—making this conversation even more relevant today.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ Why the Farm Bill is stuck in political gridlock (and what’s at stake)

✅ How farmers have been erased from government and political influence

✅ The rise of corporate agriculture and its impact on family farms

✅ Why politicians prioritize viral moments over real policy solutions

✅ What needs to change to give farmers more power in Washington

Why This Matters Now:

With new USDA leadership, budget freezes, and controversial farm policies rolling out, we’re at a turning point for American agriculture. Understanding these forces is critical—not just for farmers, but for everyone who eats.

Next Episode:

Next week, we’ll break down the biggest political moves from February that are actively reshaping food and farming—from USDA budget cuts to farmworker deportation fears, climate policy rollbacks, and new trade tariffs.

How You Can Help:

📣 Share this episode with a friend who cares about where their food comes from.

💬 Join the conversation on Instagram @XOXOFarmGirl

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